It takes a special performance to stop Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland from scoring, but Wolverhampton Wanderers' defender Craig Dawson nullified the Norwegian's goal threat in Saturday's 2-1 win against the champions.
Playing in front of the home faithful at Molineux, centre-back Dawson helped Wolves to only a second victory of the season that took them four points clear of the bottom three.
Alan Shearer called his performance "faultless", a true compliment from the Premier League's all-time top scorer and Hall of Fame inductee, who included Dawson in his Matchweek 7 Team of the Week.
Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace)
"Made key saves in the second half from Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund to earn a deserved clean sheet."
Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
"Weighed in with a beautiful assist for Watkins' first goal and stuck to his defensive duties - Kaoru Mitoma didn't get a look-in."
Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)
"What an afternoon by the Denmark international. Brilliant winning goal was matched by a great defensive display."
Craig Dawson (Wolves)
"Faultless display. Not many defenders have managed to keep Haaland quiet, but he did with a brilliant performance."
Class recognises class 🤝 pic.twitter.com/r4pXbNpaqL
— Wolves (@Wolves) October 2, 2023
Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
”Assisted Mykhailo Mudryk’s opening goal with a pinpoint long pass over the top. Great display at left-back.”
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
"He just gets better and better with time. Another goal and a top performance."
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
"Used his experience to great effect. Bossed the midfield and was too wily for Brighton's young ones."
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
"No one could get near him. Led by example and chipped in with a penalty, too."
Miguel Almiron (Newcastle)
"Found the net again with a brilliant left-foot finish from the edge of the box. Another great goal from a fantastic player."
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
"Picked the perfect time to put on a goalscoring masterclass. Villa's hat-trick hero in front of England manager Gareth Southgate."
Pedro Neto (Wolves)
"A constant problem to Man City's full-backs with his trickery and pace. His cross that Ruben Dias diverted into his own net sent Wolves on their way to a famous win."
Manager: Gary O'Neil (Wolves)
"His gameplan worked to perfection to produce a much-needed win against the champions."
